Bayethe
Modern contemporary African design — canvas walls meet glass, thatched roofs, and stone. Intimate and private without being remote. More romantic bush retreat than adrenaline-pumping adventure camp.
The 3 Superior/Premier tents (sometimes called 'Bayethe Hills') come with indoor bathtubs, fireplaces, and hammocks on the deck — worth requesting at booking
Why It Matters
The sole luxury tented lodge within Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Strong conservation credentials — the reserve is part of a major Eastern Cape restoration project and partners with Born Free Foundation and the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre. Completely malaria-free. All-inclusive rates cover twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks, all meals, high tea, and selected beverages.
Bayethe is Shamwari's only tented lodge, and that distinction matters. Twelve canvas-and-glass suites sit under a dense tree canopy along the riverbanks, each with wooden floors, a private plunge pool, and a fireplace for when Eastern Cape nights turn sharp. The name means 'I salute you' in the local Xhosa tradition — a warm greeting the staff genuinely live up to. The reserve spans 25,000 hectares, is entirely malaria-free, and holds all of the Big Five. It sits roughly 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth, making this one of the most accessible Big Five experiences in Africa.
Where You'll Stay
2 room types available
Luxury Tented Suite
Nine of the twelve tents sit under dense tree canopy along the riverbank. Canvas walls and a thatched roof frame a proper interior: wooden floors, a king or twin bed with premium bedding, an en-suite bathroom with indoor bath, outdoor shower, private plunge pool, and a viewing deck. Air conditioning keeps things comfortable. Fireplaces feature in most tents — useful when the bush nights get cold.
King or TwinSuperior Tented Suite
Three tents offer additional luxury — sometimes referred to as the Bayethe Hills tents. These add indoor bathtubs (as well as an outdoor shower), fireplaces, and hammocks suspended from the wooden deck. The same canvas-and-glass construction, plunge pool, and full amenity set as the Luxury Tents, but with extra comfort touches that make a noticeable difference on longer stays.
King or TwinThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Boat excursion on the water within the reserve, offering a different perspective on wildlife and birdlife along the riverine environment.
The reserve hosts over 250 bird species. Specialist guides focus on raptors including Black Harriers, Pale Chanting Goshawks, Black-shouldered Kites, Booted Eagles, and Secretary Birds. Swarovski binoculars are provided to all guests.
The Eastern Cape's dark skies make for exceptional stargazing away from any light pollution. Rangers can identify constellations and share their knowledge of the night sky.
Behind-the-scenes visit to the Born Free Foundation's big cat sanctuary on the reserve, which rescues lions and leopards from zoos, circuses, and private captivity. Arrange through your lodge manager or game ranger.
A dedicated centre focused on anti-poaching efforts and rhino conservation education. Named for the legendary conservationist who saved the white rhino from extinction.
Visit the Vulpro vulture conservation programme operating within the reserve, supporting both in-situ and ex-situ conservation for these critically important scavengers.
Visit Shamwari's wildlife rehabilitation centre and hospital, where injured and orphaned animals are cared for. Guests can have one-to-one experiences with animals currently in care. Educational and genuinely moving.
Professionally guided walks on foot through the reserve. Rangers share detailed knowledge of ecology, tracking, and smaller wildlife often missed from a vehicle. Guests must be 16+ for walking safaris; those 65+ require a medical clearance certificate.
Morning and evening drives in open 4x4 vehicles led by professional ranger-guides. Morning drives depart at sunrise; evening drives include sundowners in the bush and spotlight night drives for nocturnal species. Big Five sightings are common, plus cheetah, wild dog, caracal, springhare, aardwolf, and brown hyena. Each drive runs approximately 3–4 hours.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Sweeping viewing deck off the main thatched lodge overlooking an active waterhole. Wildlife regularly gather — prey drinking, predators stalking. A great place to spend the midday hours.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the camp, including in-tent.
Traditional reed-and-thatch fireside dining space for evening meals under the stars.
Large pool on the main lodge deck overlooking the river basin.
Each of the 12 tents has its own private plunge pool on the deck.
Included in the all-inclusive rate.
Available from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport. ZAR 1,450 per vehicle one-way. Must be arranged in advance.
BUILD YOUR SHAMWARI BAYETHE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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